Investigation of the structure, phase transitions, molecular dynamics, and ferroelasticity of organic–inorganic hybrid NH(CH3)3CdCl3 crystals
Abstract
Understanding the physical and chemical properties of the organic–inorganic hybrid NH(CH3)3CdCl3 is essential for its application. Considering its importance, a single crystal of NH(CH3)3CdCl3 was grown with an orthorhombic structure at 300 K. The phase transition temperatures were determined to be 345 (TC3), 376 (TC2), and 452 K (TC1) (phases IV, III, II, and I, respectively, starting from a low temperature). The partial decomposition temperature was 522 K (Td). Furthermore, the NMR chemical shifts of the 1H, 13C, and 113Cd atoms of the cation and anion varied with increasing temperature. Consequently, a significant change in the coordination geometry of Cl around Cd in CdCl6 and a change in the coordination geometry of H in NH was associated with changes in the N–H⋯Cl hydrogen bond near the phase transition temperature. The 13C activation energy Ea obtained from the spin-lattice relaxation time was smaller than that of 1H Ea, suggesting that energy transfer around 13C is easier. Additionally, a comparison of the twin domain walls measured via optical polarizing microscopy and Sapriel's theory indicated that the crystal structure in phase III was more likely to be orthorhombic than hexagonal.